Performances & Workshops

Bringing the Living Tradition of Yakshagana to Audiences Across the World

For over nine decades, Sri Idagunji Mahaganapati Yakshagana Mandali has presented authentic Yakshagana performances that celebrate the richness of India's living theatrical heritage. Widely regarded as one of the country's finest traditional Yakshagana repertories, the Mandali is renowned for its rare balance between artistic authenticity, traditional excellence, and thoughtful innovation.

The repertory comprises highly trained professional artistes who present performances across India and internationally at cultural festivals, theatres, universities, educational institutions, temples, museums, conferences, and community events.

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Yakshagana Performances

The Mandali presents carefully curated productions drawn from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavata, and the Puranas, showcasing the richness of Karnataka's traditional Badagu style of Yakshagana.

Each performance brings together dynamic dance, expressive acting, powerful music, extempore dialogue, elaborate costumes, and vibrant make-up to create an immersive theatrical experience that appeals to audiences of all ages and cultural backgrounds.

A traditional performance begins with an invocation to Lord Mahaganapati of Idagunji, the Mandali's presiding deity, before unfolding into a captivating dramatic narrative that combines entertainment with timeless philosophical and ethical values.

The Mandali currently maintains an active repertoire of over 150 Yakshagana episodes, with performance durations that can be adapted to suit different venues and audiences.

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Performance Formats

We offer flexible performance formats including:

• Traditional full-length Yakshagana performances

• Curated productions (approximately 90–180 minutes)

• Educational performances for schools and universities

• Festival presentations

• Temple and community performances

• International cultural showcases

• Special thematic productions

Most productions involve 12–15 professional artistes, accompanied by live musicians and Bhagavatas.

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Technical Requirements

The Mandali can provide technical specifications, stage layouts, lighting requirements, and production details to organisers in advance. These requirements may vary depending on the format and venue.

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Workshops & Lecture-Demonstrations

 

Beyond its performances, Sri Idagunji Mahaganapati Yakshagana Mandali is widely recognised for its engaging lecture-demonstrations, educational workshops, and interactive learning programmes. Designed for students, performers, educators, researchers, and general audiences, these programmes provide an immersive introduction to the artistic, cultural, and philosophical dimensions of Yakshagana.

Workshops combine practical training with scholarly insight and can be conducted either at the organiser's venue or at the Mandali's Yakshāngana Campus. Programmes range from single lecture-demonstrations and introductory sessions to intensive multi-day workshops and artist residencies.

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Topics may include

• Introduction to Yakshagana

• History and evolution of the art form

• Dance and movement techniques

• Abhinaya (acting and expression)

• Bhagavatike (traditional singing)

• Dialogue and improvisation

• Rhythm and percussion

• Costume, ornaments, and traditional make-up

• Stagecraft and performance aesthetics

 

Sessions typically include live demonstrations by professional artistes, interactive discussions, question-and-answer sessions, and, where appropriate, short performance excerpts. Participants also gain access to visual presentations, archival material, and educational resources that provide deeper insight into the history, philosophy, and development of Yakshagana.

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Each programme is customised to meet the objectives of the host institution, with the duration, format, and number of resource persons tailored to the specific audience and event.

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Suitable for​

• Universities and academic institutions

• Schools and colleges

• Museums and cultural centres

• Theatre and performing arts festivals

• Government cultural programmes

• Indian embassies and cultural missions

• ICCR and SPIC MACAY programmes

• Corporate cultural initiatives

• Community organisations

• Temples and spiritual institutions

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Repertoire

The Mandali presents a diverse repertoire of Yakshagana episodes drawn from India's great epics and Puranic literature.

A complete list of available productions is provided below.

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